Just a day ahead of its release and the beginning of the first phase of 2019 Lok Sabha election, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday banned the release of biopic on the prime minister ‘PM Narendra Modi’, saying any such film that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in the electronic media.
The film was supposed to be released on April 11. The release of the film was earlier delayed on grounds of pending certification clearance.
“Any biopic material in nature of biography sub-serving the purpose of any political entity or any individual entity connected to it, which has potential to disturb level playing field during the election, should not be displayed in electronic media, including cinematography,” the poll body said in a statement.
Earlier on April 9, the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition filed by a Congress activist seeking a stay on the release of the biopic and said the Election Commission would be an ‘appropriate’ place to seek the redressal.
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The top court also said that it was not entertaining the petition for the stay on the release of the film as it was ‘premature’ since the movie is yet to be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The plea had sought deferment of the biopic’s release till the completion of the coming Lok Sabha polls, alleging that it was designed to manipulate, influence and impress viewers and voters.
The 17th Lok Sabha election will begin from April 11 and end on May 19. The results will be announced on May 23.
